4Runner/ Surf 2.4/ 2.8/ 3.0lt Diesels, turbo/ non-turbo

Ur mad!! Go the Isuzu MU...2.8 Turbo from factory.

There is plenty of space for two and returns 10L/100km religiously!

There are a few in the East (one in the West too but that too far to purchase!!) in the Autotrader!

These things will walk over a surf for the money!

Yes the Import Surfs did have trouble with heads and overheating but the Aussie 4 runner (2.8 NA) was reliable as a old dog just as slow as one too!

my2c

All the best

Matt.

http://www.toyotasurf.asn.au/forum/ - plenty to read here - Bill

Steer well clear of the 2.4 - they are so under powered and are prone to head gasket failures

Stevesub

Go the 2.8 runner very reliable if serviced every 4000ks. Heard of a few now that have done 400000ks. Bit slow but an exhaust upgrade will help power and economy.
Cheers Pete

Hi Howie, personally wouldnt touch any of the surfs. 2.4 even turbo'd are a dog and have endless issues overheating with out doing some big mods, in the way of totally new radiator as the ones in the surfs are alot narrower than or 4 runners and a host of other things and as mentioned above have head issues. Generally they are rust buckets due to the salt been used overseas on the roads, doors, sills, tailgate the list goes on. Spare parts nearly always need to be ordered in from Japan and take weeks not something you need while travelling in the event you break down. The old 2.8 hilux/4 runner well what can I say. Guttless,slow, under powered BUT would I have another one ??YEP. I never had any issues with mine. 9/10L per 100 wether freeway,beach,city. Towing camper and flat to the boards 11L per 100 including lucky to reack 100k on the flats LOL. Providing they have had regular oil changes/filters every 4k no more then 5k max as mentioned above will go for a good 400/500 thou. If you can put up with them been sloooooow up hills, My personal opinion is there great. Like the 4.2 patrols. diesel 1hz cruisers most farms will have a part to fit if you get in trouble. No electronics. BUT in saying all the above what about a 2.8 T/D rodeo. Great on fuel, last the distance like the hilux's but have plenty of pulling power up hills and keeping up with the speed limits and are extremely reliable. Just my thoughts. Regards Steve M

Well HowieB I owned a 4 runner 2.4l diesel 1984 model for six years crossed the simpson three times plus numerous other trips averaged 10l/100kl around town and 14l/100km over the desert I did install extracters and a thru flow muffler and that made a huge difference to its power. I mean that it literally gave me another gear.

Never had any overheating/head gasget problems did 350,000 before sadly selling it for a Troopy 2000 model I love it as well


Regards Jeff

I have a 2.8D non turbo 92 4runner DX. Someone said they are as reliable as an old dog. Spot on. Mines done 260000kms with an engine rebuild about 60000 ago by previous owner. At some stage it wasn't looked after as it should have been. We did a trip SA to QLD last year and averaged 11.2l/100KM. It was loaded with everything including 4 people and it didn't miss a beat. Used 1/2 litre of oil after a fairly heavy 8 days on Fraser Island. They are fairly slow in acceleration, but not gutless. You just got to keep the revs in the right range for what you're doing.

I just bought extractors for mine. Be interesting to see the difference. The 2.8 needs to have the oil changed religiously or you can get problems. Surfs have issues - they need therapy! The guy I bought my 4runner off bought a Surf and was having major overheating problems. I paid just under 8K for mine 18 mths ago. Its not limo, but its reliable and cheap to run.

I had a 2.8 4 runner with after market turbo. Got rid of it in favour of a 60 series Cruiser. Cruiser much cheaper to run overall due to stronger build and reliability plus that useful extra space. The electric tailgate on the 4runner surf is a real problem, especially off road. They jam up and the motor goes. You can't open them manually. The back window must be lowered before you can open the tailgate. A real PIA to use. Even worse if you have a luggage barrier as you then can't get into the rear without breaking back glass if the motor goes or it jams up... and it will. Gutterless body design also makes roofracks difficult. Changing to the 60 series was one of my better moves.

Went through all this recently for a mate. She wanted a Surf.
Got that idea squashed and settled on OZ model toyota or maybe even nissan pathfinder.

Anything worth buying was at least $10k and still needed work for piece of mind travelling. Big milages on motors which means clutch / brakes bearings unis etc to be considered. Finally parts and repair costs were evaluated.

End result - she now has a 1998 Jeep Cherokee - power everything and luxury trim with only 130,000 on speedo. Has fitted new exhaust / air intake / welch plugs / main seal / all oils and liquids changed / replaced common electronic fault items and registered for 12mnths.

Total cost to date $ 8000.00....as for the fuel economy...At that price and for that capable a vehicle, its not an issue but 20-25mpg is totally acceptable as far as she is concerned.